If you’re looking for a dog that truly reflects what it
means to be a dog’s best friend, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should be at the
top of your list. It’s not high-maintenance as its name suggests—and with this
breed, you have a gentle, playful, timid, and sweet toy breed dog that you will
cherish for a long time. Normally known as a Cavalier, the Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel is a great choice for a pawsome dog that you will certainly not
regret.

Don’t believe us? Here are only some of the reasons why a
Cavalier will make your life complete.

1. They love people!

Some dogs need a great deal of alone time, but Cavaliers
rarely ever need some. Because they’re people-oriented, they would want to be
with other humans or pets for most parts of the day. Leave them alone for an
entire day, and they’re guaranteed to whine or bark.

2. Cavaliers are
athletic.

If you’re athletic or plan to shape up, then a Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel is the perfect companion for you. They simply love running around and chasing
everything—from butterflies to squirrels. At times, you might need to put them
on an extra long dog leash, so you won’t need to worry about where your dog has
run off to.

3. Give them time to
socialize

At first, you’d find them to be a bit timid and shy. But
once they’ve been around you long enough, you’d see just how sociable and
outgoing they can be. Did we mention that they respond well to encouragement
and treats? So you better be generous with both!

4. A Cavalier’s
soulful eyes will melt you

Physically, what sets a Cavalier apart is its feathered coat
and mix of striking colors in its coat. But what really captivates its owners’
hearts are its pair of large, soulful, and unmistakably expressive eyes. Looking
at this baby’s eyes will surely make your day.

5. A Cavalier is a toy dog breed that you can
bring to a lot of places.

A Cavalier is diminutive in the true sense of the word. They
stand no taller than around 12 to 13 inches, around as tall as a standard ruler
and about 30.5 to 33.0 centimeters. They’re also quite easy to carry around, as
they only weight about 13 to 20 lbs. Because of its small size, they are a
great addition to single people, seniors, and families.

6. With a Cavalier’s rich
coat comes great responsibilities.

A Cavalier is known for its shiny and silky coat that comes
in different color combinations: Black and Tan, Blenheim (chestnut red and
white), Ruby (solid chestnut red), and Tricolor (chestnut red, white and
black). They will need to be regularly brushed so that their natural oils can
be distributed well and that their coat won’t regularly get entangled.

7. Cavaliers tend to
shed a lot during certain seasons.

Because of their lush coat, they also tend to shed a lot.
Prepare to regularly comb and brush your baby’s coat. During spring and fall,
they tend to shed most. Consider this your bonding time with your dog, aside
from your exercises together.

8. They are a
generally healthy breed.

One of the important considerations you probably have when
considering a dog breed is the health condition. You don’t have to worry about
that with your Cavalier, as they are generally healthy. There are, of course,
health considerations that Cavaliers have, like most dogs. Mitral Valve Disease
is one of the more common health conditions that usually have a genetic
component. This is a heart disease that can be prevented by responsible
breeders.

9. They’re great for
indoors

While Cavalier are not advisable outdoor breeds, they’re the
perfect breed to keep indoors. They’re not noisy when kept indoors, and can
live with you in an apartment or a condo. You can also keep them in a small
yard. Do not leave them out in your yard without access to fresh water.

10. They will be a great friend to kids and
other dogs.

If you want to make sure, before anything else, that a
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will get along with everyone, there’s no need to
worry. They’re the best playmates for your kids, and will enjoy watching the TV
or learning new tricks with them. A Cavalier will also have no problem playing
with other animals, even cats! So if you like both cats and dogs, you’re more
than welcome to have a Cavalier around!

There’s no surprise as terrifying as finding skin bump on
your dog. You may be petting or cuddling with your dog one minute, only to find
a lump or a bump in your dog that simply wasn’t there before in the next minute.

Scared thoughts might race through your mind all at once: is
it skin cancer in dogs? Or is it just a fatty tumor that is not as serious? Should
you go see the vet asap?

Many lumps and bumps on dogs are benign. They’re not
cancerous, so you shouldn’t worry. However, from the outside, they can easily
look the same. This is why you shouldn’t panic just yet, as that bump on your
dog can mean a lot of things.

Causes of dog skin
bumps

Skin bumps on dogs are quite common, and can be caused by a
lot of things. Here are some of the possible causes of your dog’s lumps and
bumps.

Fatty tumors are most common in older dogs, and can
show up almost anywhere. They are, however, most common in the rib part. A lot
of breeds are known to have them, although they are most common among larger
dogs. Dog tumors will cause pain and lessen your dog’s mobility.

Warts are often found in young dogs, which will go away by
themselves. However, older dogs might have to undergo surgery in order to get
rid of it.

Sebaceous cyst is essentially an oil gland with a blockage
and looks a lot like a pimple. When popped, a white substance will ooze out.

An abscess is caused by pus buildup right under the skin.
Its known causes are insect bites or infections.

A mast cell tumor is a form of skin cancer that’s common
among dogs. They are found in Labradors, beagles, schanuzers, and boxers.

Have an appointment with the vet

When you see a lump or bump, you should immediately see the vet before panicking or before dismissing it. You might want to make the appointment sooner if the following things happen to your dog:

A fast growth

Immediate swelling

Redness of the bump and around the area

Pus or an opening

Visible pain experienced by your dog

Before the vet appointment and after you’ve noticed the lump in your dog, you should be very observant about how the lump is developing so far. You need to tell the vet, among other things, about how the bump developed, what it looks like (including its shape, color, or size), and how your dog’s behavior has changed.

Do not be surprised if the vet removes the lump through a fine needle, as it will be observed under a microscope. If the cause behind the bump is a bit more complicated, it will most likely be sent for biopsy. You will then get the result of whether it is cancer bumps on dogs after a few days. This can be addressed by a surgical procedure to remove the lump. If the cancer has spread throughout other parts of the body, your dog may require chemotherapy or radiation.

What you need to do next

Once you find out that your dog has a lump, you need to be
extra cautious, even if it isn’t cancerous. New ones might pop out, and you
might want to find out what it means.

You might also want to ask your vet to chart out the
locations and sizes of the bumps and lumps to keep track of what is happening
to your dog. You might also want to do this by yourself.

Any loving pet owner’s first instinct
upon finding a lump on your dog would be panic. But, for the sake of your
pawsome baby, you will have to calm down. Your first impulse should be to call
the vet, and take things from there.

Oh dear.. have you lost your dog, or have you read a lot of
missing pet pages is the thought of losing your furry friend simply unbearable?
We know exactly how you feel! One of the questions we get asked quite often is
how to find a lost dog fast. We’ve had our own scare of losing our own dog, too
(small dog breeds especially get lost out of sight pretty quickly!). We know
how tough it can feel like, so we’ve prepared this little guide that will help
in finding a lost dog… Consider it our way of giving back and helping dog
owners find their loved ones back!

What to do when you
notice your dog is missing

We’re sure you’ve watched crime dramas, and know fully well
that the first 24 hours is the most important timeframe to find a missing
person. Let’s just the say that the same principle applies to dogs. Within this
period, you ought to look for your dog, and find out whether your pet has
simply gone on an adventure within the immediate vicinity.

1. Have someone man
the phone. Chances are that you placed your contact details on your dog’s
collar. You might want to have your family stay on the phone, either your
mobile or landline, in case someone calls to alert you about your missing dog.

There should also be another person who can make a round of
calls to alert certain people—pet shelters, local veterinarians, or the police
department. The police department might have a dedicated local number for pet
concerns, too. Just be sure that you use a phone that’s different from the
phone number on your dog’s collar.

2. Print your dog’s
photo. It’s time to look for a photo of your dog’s photo—we’re sure you can
find one somewhere—and show it to possible witnesses. This is a lot easier than
describing your dog to people that pass by. If you don’t have one, you can
print a photo of a dog that resembles your dog the most.

3. Round up your
friends. At this point you may also want to rally the troops—ask concerned
friends, preferably dog lover, to join you as you look for your furry friend. You’d
be surprised that a lot of people are willing to help.

Once 24 hours has passed, you will determine for sure that
your dog is lost for sure and is not simply hiding under the bed. That’s when you launch the next phase of
finding your missing dog.

How to find a lost
dog after 24 hours

You’ve looked all over the neighborhood, and followed the
last four pieces of advice we gave, but your dog didn’t turn up… what’s next?
First of all, you should know that hope is not entirely lost. In fact, there’s
quite a good chance that your dog will come back, because of their excellent
instinct of finding their way back home.

Here are a couple of effective ways to find your missing
dog.

1. Advertise. Find
a recent photo of your dog and make a poster out of it. It would help to put as
many details about your pet as you can, including the name. Include the name of
your dog, as well as his color, weight, distinguishing features, some common
habits, and any other distinguishing features unique to your dog. Afterwards,
place this advertisement in as many places as you can—community centers,
grocery stores, neighborhood billboards, pet supply stores, and everywhere
else.

2. Try the Internet. The
Internet is a vast place that might just help you find your pet. You can start
with your personal sites. Upload a video or a photo of your pet, along with a
short but touching message about your pet. These are the kinds of posts that
can and will easily go viral. You might also want to post these online ads in
Facebook groups that are location-based. Some websites that you might also want
to try are the following: Center for Lost Pets, Fido Finder, Craigslist, and
Lost Pet USA.

3. Visit local
shelters and dog parks. If it’s been a couple of days since you lost your
dog, don’t lose hope. Broaden your search. Check out nearby police stations,
keep track of your online ads, and visit local shelters or dog parks.

One of the toughest things that can happen to a pet owner is
to lose their dog. But the last thing you can afford to lose is hope—hope of
finding your pawsome friend again. Follow these tips on how to find your lost
dog, and one of our tips just might help you find your missing dog.

Every pet parent only wants the best for their baby. And if
you happen to have the most adorable kitty around, we’re sure you want to build
the best place for your cat to stay in. You may not be wealthy enough to buy a
cat palace, but you can certainly consider getting a cat condo. And if you can’t,
you might want to know how to build one yourself!

We have a couple of
cat condo ideas that you and your feline friends will surely love.

Tree Branch theme – For cats that love to climb up and down,
why don’t you look for a tree in your backyard and turn it into a climbing
haven for your cat? This won’t only look cute, but will also help keep your cat
physically active.

Re-purposed drawer – We’re sure you have a random drawer in
your house that serves no other purpose than to just lie around the house. Why
don’t you re-purpose it and turn it into a totally awesome cat condo?

Box tower – Many DIY lovers know how to turn used boxes, and
transform it into a beautiful kitty condo that you won’t even recognize. All
you need is a dash of creativity, time, and an insatiable passion to make your
cat happy.

Cylinder type – Many cats prefer having a cylinder-type cat condo and for good reason. They’re highly flexible and prefer a place with a
high ceiling to stay in.

Outdoor cat condo – If you don’t have enough space inside
your home, you might want to consider an outdoor cat house. There are a lot of
attractive and homey cat houses that you’ll surely love for your cat. Take your
pick!

Essentials for your cat condo

But having the basic structure for your cat condo isn’t
enough just yet. You must make sure that it has all the necessaries to make it
really comfortable to stay in for your cat.

Here are some of the cat furniture your cat condo can’t afford
to miss.

Cat scratching post – Okay, maybe this one will take a
little too much space, which is why you should consider this only when your cat’s
house is wide enough. We’re sure you’ve seen just how badly your cat loves
scratching posts. This one will surely be your cat’s favorite in the kitty
condo!

Cat litterbox – While we’re sure your cat has been
litter-trained, it’s always nice to have a cat litterbox in or around the cat
condo so your cat won’t have difficulty going in and out of the house.

Cat beds – To complete the perfect condo for your cat, the
cat bed must be equally nice and comfortable. You’d be surprised at the variety
of options you have for a cat bed.

Cat steps – This is only necessary for kitty condos that are
a bit difficult to climb up to. It would really help to have cat steps
installed.

Cat toys and accessories – You don’t want your cat toys and
accessories to be scattered all over the house, so you might want to place your
cat toys and accessories in the cat condo as well.

Build a Cat Condo Yourself

If you have enough time, you can venture into a cat condo
project of your own. Here are a few steps for you to start:

1. Find a large working area. Make sure you lay
down newspaper on the floor, so you can be sure that the floor won’t get
scratched.

3. Fix the boxes. This isn’t hard at all: all you
have to do is have a big enough opening for your cat to go to and from the box.

4. Make windows. With dimensions of around 5 by 5
inches, the windows should be wide enough, but not too wide that your cat will
lose all sense of privacy.

5. Connect the boxes together. Here’s the fun part:
the boxes should be connected together so that it’s big enough for your cat to
live comfortably in. Feel free to decorate the exterior and make it look as
inviting as it can be!

Food
allergy in dogs happen when your dog's immune system thinks a food ingredient
is harmful to it by mistake. Your immune system then starts to create
antibodies to fight off the food. This doesn't mean there's something wrong
with the quality of the food: it's just that your dog has an unfavorable
reaction to it.

When this
happens, your dog will break into hives, itch, bite his paws, lick himself
obsessively, feel nauseous, and even vomit.

Some dog
food ingredients commonly trigger allergy. These are the following:

·Dairy

·Beef

·Lamb

·Fish

·Corn

·Yeast

·Soy

·Food
contaminants

When it's food allergy, and when it's food
intolerance

However,
you might want to make sure before anything else that food is the cause of your
dog's allergic reaction. For all you know, it might be something else! In fact,
foods ingested by your dog only accounts for 10% of all allergies.

It might
also be food intolerance, and not just food allergy. The differences between
the two are quite important. To begin with, food allergy is a problem related
to the immune system, while food intolerance is a digestive problem. Food
intolerance manifests itself through nausea, bloating, gas, digestive distress,
diarrhea, and vomiting.

How you can treat dog food allergies

After
you've determined that the cause of your dog's allergy is food, you will need
to take steps to treat it immediately. Here's a procedure to help you address
your dog's food allergy.

Step 1: Bring your dog to the vet

Before you
even attempt to treat your dog on your own, you might want to get the
professional opinion of an expert. For one, it may be caused by other illnesses
aside from the food that your dog just ate. In fact, it might not even be food
allergy at all, but flea allergy dermatitis or canine atopy. In other cases, a
precription from the vet will be required to treat ear or skin infections in
your dog. If it is indeed food allergy, your vet will most likely issue a
temporary prescription diet for your dog.

Step 2: Start your dog on a hypoallergenic diet

If it turns
out that your dog has food allergy, either because of your vet's diagnosis or
because your dog has eaten something that you know for a fact has caused him
allergy in the past, it might be time put your fur baby on a hypoallergenic
diet. Don't worry--there are hypoallergenic versions of commercial dog foods that
are easy to buy in case you need one immediately.

Or, you can
always cook your own dog food--with your own signature TLC. It's quite easy!
All you need to do is fix up a meal comprising starch and protein meat, so your
dog can get enough calories. There are many protein and carbohydrates
sources to choose from: salmon with rice, chicken with rice, and duck with
potatoes. Follow this diet for about 10 weeks--choose only one of the three,
and if the problem doesn't get fixed by then, switch to a different source
altogether.

Step 3: Reintroduce your dog to his favorite
diets

Once your
dog's allergic reaction to the food subsides, you can start reintroducing
common food items once a week. This way, you can find out what is causing the
allergy and eliminate the food from your diet. Once a recently introduced food
to the diet triggers an allergic reaction, then you'd have found out what's
causing the food allergy.

Food
allergy in dogs can be serious, but it's not something you should panic about.
At the end of the day, keeping yourself informed will help best in addressing
this problem. Don't panic--as long as you know exactly what to do, your dog
will be in great hands!

Diabetes is a life-long condition that occurs when the body’s mechanisms fail to produce or absorb insulin needed by the muscles and the organs. This disorder in the production and absorption of insulin would cause the level of glucose in the blood to rise, which may result in many different adverse health reactions. There are two types of diabetes – Type 1 diabetes or the shortage of insulin in the body, or Type 2 diabetes or the body’s failure to convert glucose into energy.

Humans are not the only one at great risk of developing diabetes. Studies suggest approximately 1 in 400 or 500 dogs suffer from diabetes, which may significantly reduce their quality of life and may even lead to fatality when left undetected and untreated. As such, we at Rosy and Rocky would like to get you informed of what you should know about canine diabetes, its symptoms, causes, risk factors, and what to expect from vet visits.

Symptoms of canine diabetes

Depending on its severity, canine diabetes is characterized with one or more of these signs and symptoms:

Excessive thirst

Frequent urination

Frequent hunger

Unexplained weight loss

Weakness, sleepiness, depression

Vomiting

In some cases, anorexia

If left untreated, canine diabetes may cause severe symptoms that can be debilitating and might even be life-threatening at times. These advanced symptoms may include:

Bladder infection

Kidney failure (due to too much blood glucose being filtered by the kidneys)

Obesity

Enlarged liver

Cataracts

Blindness

What causes diabetes in dogs?

Diabetes occurs when there is not much insulin in the body to metabolize glucose, protein and fat. Insulin shortage might be due to underlying medical conditions, such as pancreatitis (the inflammation of insulin-producing organ pancreas). In some cases, diabetes can also be a result of the body’s failure to utilize insulin in converting these sugars into energy. Underlying medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalance, liver failure, and immune system disorders might all cause the body not to convert glucose into energy.

Apart from these underlying medical conditions, some dog types have autosomal patterns that contain the propensity to develop diabetes. These dog breeds that are prone to canine diabetes are:

Because diabetes among dogs is characterized with abnormally high glucose in the bloodstream and in the urine, it is easily detectable through a complete blood count, urinalysis, and chemical profile. Apart from abnormally high levels of glucose in the body, other irregularities may also be found during these tests, such as abnormal levels of ketone bodies, plasma, and hemoglobin in the blood.

After diagnosing diabetes, your vet may perform other examinations to see the severity of the disease. Imaging tests, such as x-rays and ultrasonography, and biopsy may all help in detecting health complications caused by diabetes, such as liver disease, renal failure, gall bladder disease, and kidney stones.